As a mandated element of the Annual International Achievement Week Observance

Local Winners will be announced during the week of November 15-21. Winners will be selected to represent IOTA at the District Level, Winner selected from District sent to International Grand Conclave in New Orleans.

Eligibility: The Contest is open to all college-bound, high school seniors

Contest Closes October 20, 2017

RULES

The essay must be entitled:

"What Actions Can You Take to Promote Social Justice and Embrace Diversity of All People"

The essay must be original and neither previously published nor secured by copyright.

The essay must be between 700 and 750 words in length.

Three type-written, double-spaced copies must be submitted via postal service or email in DOC or PDF format.

The following information for the contestant must appear on the first page in this manner:

Persons submitting manuscripts thereby grant to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. the right to keep the

manuscripts and to exercise full publishing rights to them. Awards will be announced on or about June 1, 2018, and the decision of the judges will be final. The manuscripts must present an adequate treatment of the essay topic. Winners will be required to furnish written proof that they were enrolled in their respective high school at the time the essays were submitted.

Awards will be submitted to each winner, upon written verification from an institution of higher education that the individual has enrolled. Actual enrollment (not just acceptance) is required. Awards must be claimed within 18 months after the announcement date to be valid.

RATING CRITERIA FOR ESSAYS

1. Development of Topic/Thesis: (30 possible pts.) Topic well developed (covers and develops major points, supplying enough information for understanding)

2. Progression: (20 possible pts.) Composition progresses from beginning to end in a logical flow of information

3. Readability: (25 possible pts.) Concise prose that sticks to the point and does not ramble (holds reader’s attention)